This Ain't A Scene ~ Sequel to Can You Hear Me? (COMPLETED)

Let's Dance

I paced nervously back and forth behind the curtains. The time had finally come, time for our opening performance. The local high school orchestra sat in the pit, mingling with a local adults-only orchestra. They sounded beautiful.

Now is not the time to gawk over hearing things. I shook my hands, hearing little pops from each wrist. I watched as the ensemble began to dance around on stage. I wasn't needed just yet- since this scene needed a baby-version of Aurora. Speaking of, four ladies approached the center stage with the sleeping baby. I'd heard rumors that Miss Sophie's niece played the part of baby Aurora, and that she could sleep through anything.

My ballet parents appeared on stage, dancing around. Their first dance finished quickly, and very soft claps filled the auditorium before the Lilac Fairy's group came on stage.

The auditorium had been packed tonight, as it would have been most nights. After the scandal a couple of days ago, the studio put out a post saying that all tickets could not be refunded. A lot of Fall Out Boy fans said that they would rather watch the bootleg. So, while we had sold every single night out, the auditorium probably would not have been full.

Part of me became excited that the fans were being petty. Part of me knew that shouldn't be something they do. 

The music swelled as the fairies approached Baby Aurora, turning sweetly to the time of the music. They were killing it out there!

It only felt like a few minutes later when I could finally jump into dancing. Act 1 had finally started, and I would be working with four of the men from the adults group to make it through this dance. Everyone knew that I would be doing the famous pirouettes, but not Miss Sophie- who I could see across the stage, hiding between curtains and directing people. We made eye contact, and she grit her teeth before moving on.

I knew Declan and Antero were probably asleep at this point- I hoped they were for Mom and Dad's sake. Dad said that Gerard and Lyn-Z were also here with their kids. Apparently Pete had even come back from China to see this. Ana and Sam, of course, were here too.

I took deep breaths, feeling someone rub my shoulders. I turned to see Thomas, who was in the ensemble for this scene since the Prince doesn't come up until Act 2.

"You're going to do great out there, Eve," Thomas said, smiling.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"You'll show Sophie up, I know it," Thomas exclaimed happily.

I laughed a little, "You have too much confidence in me." I began to walk on stage as the curtains finally closed from the Prologue. Lots of people rushed around, nearly pushing me over. I made sure to walk on my heels, so the block in my toes didn't bang on stage.

I stopped behind the curtain, watching as the ensemble rushed on and off stage. 

They had less than 10 seconds to get people switched between scenes. A lot of the teenage troupe would be on stage for this scene. Since it was Aurora's 16th birthday, there would be a lot of teenagers. The kids were further back in the curtains, waiting to rush out like the eloquent little dancers they were. This scene would be the hardest for all of them since they had to dance with the flower arches. 

I knew where I had heard the music from before. Disney had taken parts of this scene's music and put it into Once Upon a Dream. A sweet tribute to the ballet that gave Walt his inspiration.

Finally, the song ended and my time to shine had come. My ballet father stood, walking to the front center of the stage. The ensemble ran past me as the adult ensemble came on. The four men I would be dancing with were already there.

My cue came on, and I tip-toed onto stage. My heart shook my chest, and I made sure to take deep breaths and keep a smile on my face as applause rang through the auditorium. 

Within a few seconds, my toes ached. I didn't think it would be that quickly. I'd just have to suffer. 

I began to twirl forward, my suitors coming up to block me from behind as I made my way to my Stage Mom. The song ended, and applause quickly came and went as I turned around.

Time for the Rose Adagio.

My Stage Dad kissed my head, and the four suitors approached. Each bowed, and my SD led me forward. I moved between the four men, ran back to my mom curiously. I quickly stepped back over, getting onto my toes and raising my arms above my head.

Ow ow ow ow- the music began to play again and I took a couple of steps forward to the first suitor, who helped me maintain balance as I slowly raised my leg and brought it down. He passed me off to the second suitor, who also helped me.

"You can still back out," He said quietly.

"Not happening," I whispered, twirling away from him.

I had never felt so determined in my life. Another twirl into the third suitor's arms, bringing my leg up. The fourth suitor approached, and after one more repeat we moved to the right, and he helped keep me balanced on four complete turns. Suitor 4 led me back to the center, where I stood on pointe.

The first suitor approached again and helped me bring my leg up and behind me. One hand held his, and the other stayed in the air. The second suitor approached, and I quickly raised my hand up to touch the other before bringing it back down into Suitor 2's hand. 

After another couple of repeated moves, leaning on some kids, and being lifted into the air, it was finally time for those fateful spins. I was already exhausted from dancing with these four men on stage, but they helped me as much as possible. 

My chest heaved as I took off, twirling in time to the music. Everyone took a subtle step back.

First twirl, my focus point was a piece of curtain. I took in the fact that my hips felt empty without the suitors making sure I wouldn't fall. 

Second twirl, my focus point was above the head of an ensemble member. My toes hurt too much.

Third twirl, my focus stayed on Thomas, who smiled proudly at me from his spot. My stomach churned uneasily.

Fourth, fifth, sixth. Before I knew it, I was already across stage, and I did one last, slow pirouette. My chest heaved as I struggled to catch my breath.

I did it. I actually did it! As we continued onto the next song, I looked over to see Miss Sophie, who had a mix of shock and anger on her face. I looked off the stage, where I could barely make out my family as they clapped and cheered. Time seemed to slow down, letting me finally enjoy the rest of my performance.

That's a wrap! This Ain't A Scene has finally finished, and I already can't wait to begin writing the next book!

What was your favorite moment from the book? Your least favorite? What do you want to see in the next book? 

Let me know! Also, be sure to tune into Instagram (MadSalty017 on there) for an important announcement (as well as more in the future!). 

Stay safe, stay sane, I love you all!